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In today’s world, leading by example has become incredibly important. For better or worse, people watch our actions and are influenced by the steps we take. The challenge lies in both deciding what values we should be communicating and how to make our steps match those values.

With that in mind, we’re challenging every United States Senator to lead by example, and toconnect with a Senator from across the aisle as a symbol of their willingness to work in a bipartisan manner for the common good.

What did we do?

We sent each United States Senator one shirt from our IT TAKES TWO Common Ground t-shirt two pack. Democrats received SHIRT A (COMMON on the front, GROUND on the back). Republicans received SHIRT B (GROUND on the front, COMMON on the back). Independents received both shirts. The design is both literal and figurative, reminding us that “it takes two” to find common ground.

We are asking each Senator to “lead by example” and share an image via social media that captures them with a fellow Senator from across the aisle – each wearing their IT TAKES TWO shirt – as a symbol of their commitment to finding common ground despite differences.

#ProgressLooksLike working together with Senator _________________ to find common ground and deliver solutions for the common good.

We are asking each Senator to continue down this path, sharing the steps they take to promote bi-partisan cooperation (joint press releases, joint town halls, co-sponsored legislation, joint staff team building activities, joint media panels, etc.)

#ProgressLooksLike working together with Senator _________________ to deliver _________________.

Will it have an impact in Washington D.C.?

We don’t expect the name calling, the partisan voting, and the political gridlock to disappear. We understand the factors that give partisan politics such a strong hold. We also understand those that believe Washington will never change, or that the only solution is to “start over”. But we can’t let the fact that change is difficult stop us from trying, or from taking the first step of working together.

We’ve seen how people come together in the face of natural disasters and tragic violence. Every Senator – every person – has the capacity to take this step, participate in honest, empathetic dialogue, and act on a desire to move beyond differences.

But this isn’t a challenge just for our U.S. Senators.

Maybe the most important pair in IT TAKES TWO are you and your elected Senator.

First, ask yourself what #ProgressLooksLike? Consider your personal views, but also recognize that “those people”, “the other side” feel as deeply as you feel. We can’t move forward together and achieve progress without recognizing this.

Second, ask your Senators what #ProgessLooksLike? Look for those Senators that demonstrate an ability to get things done for the common good. Will it be 100% of what you value? Almost never. But if it reflects a consideration for a multitude of values and is for the common good, reward them with your support.

We hope to see you (and your Senator) join us on this path to find common ground.

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Don’t be a bystander, be involved, be engaged, be curious, make a difference.- Howard Schultz

WHAT WE STAND FOR.

We believe that empathy and open-minded conversations can change the world. Our products are designed to serve as a daily reminder to seek to understand others. Together, we can learn to listen better, communicate better, and treat each other better.STAND FOR PROGRESS WITH COMMON GROUND.